Can't-miss spring training games at McKechnie Field

BRADENTON -- There will be 16 home games, including the Black and Gold intrasquad scrimmage, played by the Pittsburgh Pirates this spring at McKechnie Field.

But which of the 16 are the marquee, can't-miss games?

Here's what you should circle on the calendar and why (all games at 1:05 p.m. unless noted):

March 5, New York Yankees

It's a transitional stage for the tradition-rich Yankees, who won't feature any players from the core nucleus that reinvigorated the franchise in the mid-1990s. Bernie Williams is long gone. And in recent seasons, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter have all retired.

Despite that, the Yankees are still a popular franchise. Whether the polarizing Alex Rodriguez is with the club during the early spring visit or not, the mystery surrounding the Yankees -- and the fact that it's the only time in three meetings this spring that the Bronx Bombers are visiting Bradenton -- is enough intrigue to make the trip to McKechnie worthwhile.

March 7, Tampa Bay Rays

For those Rays fans in Manatee County unwilling to travel to Port Charlotte, the first week of the spring slate wraps up with Tampa Bay visiting McKechnie. It's a first glimpse into what style the Rays might bring once the season begins in April under first-year manager Kevin Cash.

The love-it-or-hate-it style of Joe Maddon, who left for the Chicago Cubs in the offseason, is gone. So too are fan favorites Ben Zobrist and Wil Myers. Myers was expected to be the force in the middle of the lineup for several years after arriving from Kansas City in a deal that sent James Shields to the Royals. Questions linger, of course, about the Rays' perceived downsizing and what it means for the on-field product. There also are concerns about whether the Rays can ink a stadium deal to secure their future in the Tampa Bay area. This is the first weekend home game of the spring for the Pirates, and it's the only time the Rays visit.

March 18, Detroit Tigers (6:05 p.m.)

The defending American League Central Division champs are a definite must-see. Plus it's the only night game at McKechnie Field. The team that arrives from Lakeland, might not feature Miguel Cabrera or Victor Martinez. Miggy, who is among the game's hitting elite, is recovering from a bone spur in his ankle and a stress fracture in his foot. Martinez had offseason surgery on his knee for the second time in four years. Both players are fighting to return in time for Opening Day, and it's questionable whether they'll even be back at all during the spring.

However, top starters like Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez in addition to the evening contest make this a can't miss, especially for the Midwesterners who call Manatee County home for the winter.

March 21, Boston Red Sox

Winners of the World Series in 2013, the Boston Red Sox have had a roller coaster ride the past few seasons. They finished dead last in the American League East in 2012 and did the same in 2014, despite the continued spending spree that is associated with big-market clubs. So following that trend, perhaps the Red Sox are destined to give their rabid fan base another title-contending season? This meeting is the second one of the spring at McKechnie for Boston, but it comes near the end of the preseason slate and is the only one on a Saturday. That should bolster attendance, which means an exciting atmosphere. Plus, several blockbuster free agents found their way to Beantown this past offseason. Guys like Hanley Ramirez, Justin Masterson, Pablo Sandoval and Rick Porcello are a few new additions that fans should witness at McKechnie this spring.

March 26, Atlanta Braves

The Braves recently traded Lakewood Ranch High and State College of Florida alum Gus Schlosser to Colorado, while outrighting Bradenton's Tyler Pastornicky to Triple-A Gwinnett in January.

That doesn't completely sever local ties to this matchup, though, as Atlanta boasts two right-handers in its bullpen who could get work in late March: Jason Grilli and Jim Johnson. The latter began attending SCF when he was with the Baltimore Orioles, who call Sarasota home for the spring. The former was Pittsburgh's closer coming out of camp last year. He pitched for the Pirates until being traded to Los Angeles for the Angels' playoff push. So Pittsburgh fans looking to pay tribute to Grilli will have the opportunity to do so in one of the final spring home games for the Pirates.

The Braves also signed Matt Capps, a former Pirates closer, recently. Capps, though, hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2012 and has missed the last two seasons with injuries.

Atlanta doesn't make a trip to McKechnie every season, so this is a good chance to catch the club that used to be the only franchise in the South.

This story was originally published February 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Can't-miss spring training games at McKechnie Field."